Beowulf: Relevance Of Anglo-Saxon Ideals

The epic poem “Beowulf” focuses on the relevance of Anglo-Saxon ideals and many of which still remain an important cultural influence in today’s society. These ideals are portrayed through the loyalty, physical strength, bravery, selflessness, and respect shown throughout the poem. Loyalty is a central theme in the epic poem Beowulf, and is shown to be an important characteristic of the warriors and their society. The poem is set in a time when loyalty was the ultimate virtue, and warriors were willing to die for their honor and comrades. Beowulf, a Geatish warrior travels to Denmark to aid Hrothgar in his fight against the monster Grendel. Beowulf’s loyalty to Hrothagar is evident as he says “‘When I put to sea, sailed/

Bravery was idealized in Beowulf because it was seen as a desirable trait in a warrior, a way to demonstrate loyalty and earn glory. In the epic poem Beowulf, Wiglaf is one of Beowulf’s most loyal and trusted companions, and his bravery is evident in the climactic battle against the dragon. When Beowulf is bitten by the dragon and is unable to continue fighting, “One man alone/ obeyed his conscience. …/ …/ His name was Wiglaf, a noble warrior,/ ……/ …; he saw that his lord,/ helmeted, was tormented by the intense heat./ ……/ He could not hold back then; he grasped the round,/ yellow shield; he drew his ancient sword,/ ……/ Then that man fought his way through the fumes,/ went helmeted to help his lord.” (1801 - 1820). Wiglaf’s bravery in Beowulf is a testament to his loyalty and determination to protect his lord. His courage in standing up to the other warriors and fighting alongside Beowulf against the dragon shows that he is a true hero in his own right. Despite the tragedy of Beowulf’s death, Wiglaf’s bravery ensures that his legacy lives on, and his actions serve as an inspiration for future generations. Similarly, bravery is idealized today because it helps us put our fears aside and take the first steps in order to achieve

Throughout the poem, respect is shown to be a vital aspect of the warrior culture that is celebrated in Beowulf. One of the primary ways in which respect is demonstrated is through the importance of reputation. A warrior's deeds and accomplishments are what determine his worth and status in society, and so it is essential to earn the respect of others through acts of valor and bravery. Beowulf himself is keenly aware of the importance of his reputation, and he is careful to ensure that his actions reflect positively on him and his people. He does this so by helping out Hrothgar in defeating Grendel and in return “the guardian of thanes, the famous king,/ ordered that Hrethel’s gold-adorned heirloom/ be brough in; no sword was so treasured/ in all Geatland; he laid it in Beowulf’s lap,/ and gave him seven thousand hides of land,/ a hall and princely throne.” (1610 - 1615). Hrothgar respected beowulf and acknowledged his efforts and support to save Denmark from Grendel by giving him gifts in return. Similarly, respect is idealized today because it shows us how people portray their feelings towards one another and express themselves. There has also been a growing recognition that respect is not just a moral value but also a practical one. An example of respect is teachers. They do not get enough respect for what they do on a daily basis. They play a critical role in